W & G news:
We’ve been steadily working on the W & G conversion project, and things are coming into place. However, it remains to be seen if there is a luxury loft market in Alexandria. If there is one, even if it’s tiny, well, this will work out.
My personal experience tells me that there are a number of people who would live downtown, despite conventional wisdom, and that these individuals would be more prone to loft-living than apartment-living.
Also, I don’t think the current political climate affects this market as much as people would like to believe. Sure, an argument can be made that if the council goes in the wrong direction with the city, individuals who are “on the fence” about downtown would be less likely to move there. But the first project won’t appeal to many people who are on the fence; it’ll primarily appeal to the diehards and the out-of-towners and people who want to live in an urban setting.
Share your thoughts.
CenLamar 
I have always thought that the Bentley would be the perfect place to do great luxury condos. I don’t know about lofts, but can you imagine luxury condos on the top floor with a nice restaurant or lounge on top like the old Capitol Hotel in Little Rock, Ark? It would sell like hot cakes.
I think you are at a critical juncture. A successful condo version would be a wonderful thing for everyone and would enhance and speed downtown resugence. A flop, on the other hand, would condemn downtown to marginal existance forever. I don’ think it could take another “Bentley Hotel” fiasco.
With that in mind, please don’t underestimate the impact of the political climate.
How many luxury lofts are you planning to develop in the W & G Bldg?
It is difficult to see how you could call 2 bars and a drug store an uban setting. The pioneers that move into the Gitmo Arms will have to travel to get groceries, or a burger or visit friends and family. The nearest nightlife is Rapides Regional Medical Center.
it’s a wonderful thought and I hope it comes together. I agree, however, that a flop would mean the end of the road for downtown for a long long long time.
It is an urban setting. And don’t rorget the coffee shop.
Seriously, in what area of town does one NOT have to travel to get groceries or a burger or visit friends and family? That’s a bogus statement. I live off of Jackson St Extension, and I have to travel to do anything.
But yeah, I think it’s going to work, and I appreciate your encouragement, even if it is sprinkled with skepticism.
roget= forget
“The nearest nightlife is Rapides Regional Medical Center.”
You just said it has two bars. Oh, and don’t forget the Diamond Grill.
There’s more nightlife Downtown than you’d think.
I don’t mean to sound skeptical and i don’t mean to spell badly. I hope it comes together. I would be wonderful.
You darn right it would be wonderful. If you make them nice enough, you would assure yourself of a good clientele. I think that might encourage people and businesses to invest more in downtown.
I agree that some form of loft or upscale condos should do well downtown. If such were built, the nightlife and eating spots would have a reason to locate in the area. Just my thoughts, your may be different
Yes, I agree as well. And I assure you that if this project is ever realized, it will definitely include high-end lofts: 16-foot ceilings, crown molding, stainless steel appliances, hardwood floors, granite countertops, etc. I’m thinking that the New Orleans shotgun-style loft will be the best fit for Alexandria. However, since we’re hoping to pre-sale everything before the hammer hits the first nail, buyers will have the ability to customize their floorplans and materials.
You’re not afraid of walking around in downtown Alexandria at night? I would think we’ll have to have some measure of safety there before you can expect people to invest in condos there.